MBA student kiteboarding across Torres Strait for charity

Jason is part of a 15-person team who will attempt to cross the Torres Strait (between Queensland and Papua New Guinea) on kiteboards. The 280km crossing will take the group five full days, stopping on remote islands and reefs to sleep and provide kite flying clinics for remote communities along the way.

"Members of the team will be running workshops on the inhabited islands along the way to increase 'breast awareness' in the local communities" Jason says. "Breast cancer is common among the people of the Torres Strait, and our aim is to help them as much as we can on our way to our own goal of crossing the Torres Strait unassisted."

The expedition is expected to raise money for the McGrath Foundation, with a goal of $100,000 set by the team. At the time of writing, the group has already passed the $50,000 mark.

"This is going to be a massive challenge," Jason says. "When the chance to take part came up, I thought that the timing couldn't be worse for me. Between training for the trip, doing my MBA and working full time, I've been extremely busy. However, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take on a challenge that has never been completed before. My wife has been a legend in the support she has given me for all of this."

The group expects to battle not only the elements, but also the abundant carnivorous wildlife known to inhabit the area - saltwater crocodiles and tiger sharks pose a very real threat to the expedition.

"We're all very aware of the risks involved," Jason says, "but I'm glad to report that the team has some excellent safeguards in place to make sure we all make it home in one piece."

The Torres Strait Kitesurf Expedition kicks off on 12 July, and 100 percent of the money donated to the cause will go directly to the McGrath Foundation. To donate money in support of Jason and the team's efforts, please visit the donation page.